Organo-modified silicone polymers

ABSTRACT

A linear silicone polymer suitable for use in producing homopolymers, copolymers, polymerized emulsions, latex compositions, and hydrogel polymer films. In one aspect, a hydrophilic silicone monomer is of the Formula 1:
 
W A   m   B   n W  (1)
 
Where, A is a divalent block comprising a silicone-containing pendant group. In one embodiment, the silicone-containing pendant group comprises polyalkylene oxide groups. The structure of the polymer can be controlled and tuned to provide a material with excellent wettability and oxygen permeability. The polymers are suitable for use in a variety of applications including in providing a film for forming contact lenses.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/029316, entitled “Organo-Modified Silicone Polymers”, filed on Mar. 6, 2013, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/614,262, entitled “Organo-Modified Silicone Polymers and Hydrogels Comprising the Same”, filed on Mar. 22, 2012, each of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to organo-modified silicone-containing linear polymers. The present invention relates, in one aspect, to imparting hydrophilic or hydrophobic behavior to the polymers. In another aspect, the present invention related to reactive polymers or as pre-polymers reacted through free-radical mediated polymeric compositions as film formers in variety of compositions and formulations including, for example, personal care and hydrogel compositions and films suitable for producing biomedical products including contact lenses.

BACKGROUND

Organo-modified silicone polymers are used in multitude of applications such as healthcare, personal care, home care, coatings, agricultural compositions etc. Presence of enough organic content can bring significant changes in properties associated with bare silicones. The common approach to synthesize silicone-organic polymer is bulk polymerization of silicone monomers/macromers with organic monomers/macromers. This leads to randomized structure with uncontrolled degree of cross-linking which hampers reproducibility in synthesis and thereby the final properties. There is a need to develop an approach to carefully design and build silicone-organic polymer with well-defined structure, controlled composition and tunable structure-property relationship. These polymers can have terminal or pendant reactive groups for further polymerization i.e. pre-polymer, which make them useful in reactive composition such as copolymers, hydrogels, coating, emulsions/latex etc. Alternatively these polymers obtained from the pre-polymers according to current invention can be used as film forming additive in personal care, textile, agricultural formulations and oil and gas production related applications.

Curable silicone-hydrogel formulations are used to make extended wear soft contact lenses due to their relatively high oxygen permeability, flexibility, comfort, and reduced corneal complications. Conventional hydrogel materials (e.g. 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, HEMA) by themselves have poor oxygen permeability and they transport oxygen to the eye through the absorbed water molecules. Water has low oxygen permeability, also called the Dk value, which may be expressed in Barrer, wherein 1 Barrer=10⁻¹¹ (cm³ O₂) cm cm⁻² s⁻¹ mmHg⁻¹ where “cm³O₂” is at a quantity of oxygen at standard temperature and pressure and where “cm” represents the thickness of the material and “cm⁻²” is the reciprocal of the surface area of that material. The Dk of water is 80 Barrer. Upon exposure to atmospheric air for long periods, these lenses are slowly dehydrated and the amount of oxygen transported to the cornea is reduced. Eye irritation, redness and other corneal complications can result and hence restrict use of the lenses to limited periods of wear.

Silicone-hydrogel materials and films for contact lenses are popular for their high oxygen permeability, flexibility and comfort. Silicone material, however have poor wettability, and hence several methods have been developed to improve the water content of these hydrogel formulations. This includes adding hydrophilic monomers to the hydrogel formulations. But this causes incompatibility between silicone and organic monomers and leads to phase separation.

A possible solution to this problem is to make the silicone monomer inherently hydrophilic by incorporating hydrophilic units in the monomer. One approach to provide hydrophilic silicone monomers is to polymerize the organo-modified silicone monomer with organic monomers in the presence of a cross-linker. Examples of prior attempts of providing hydrophilicity include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,260,725; 5,352,714; 5,998,498; 6,867,245; 6,013,711; and 6,207,782. This approach leads to a large number of unreacted monomers due to unregulated viscosity build-up that requires extracting the leachable monomers from the matrix by water-isopropanol solvent mixtures, which leads to increased processing costs. Further, the silicone hydrogel formulations made by these methods still fail to exhibit significant wettability. To overcome this, more hydrophilic monomers or internal wetting agents are added to the hydrogel compositions, but this compromises oxygen permeability. Alternatively, a secondary treatment such as “plasma oxidation” can be used, but this treatment is expensive.

The use of pre-polymers is one approach to providing silicone monomers with improved hydrophilicity and oxygen permeability that can be cured in a controlled fashion so as to reduce leachable monomers/oligomers, processing cost and toxicity. The pre-polymer approach ties up the silicone chemistry with polymerization techniques to synthesize silicone-organic polymers with a well-defined structure and controlled composition. Significantly high hydrophilicity can be achieved without compromising oxygen permeability. Further, the polymer composition can be tunable such that it can be tailored to provide particular properties depending on the intended use. These polymers are further functionalized with a reactive group and introduced into a curable composition. This concept brings in reproducibility and increases the purity of the final materials.

Some prior attempts to provide suitable pre-polymers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,669 relates to the synthesis of a mono-functional pre-polymer by the free-radical polymerization of a silicone monomer and a hydrophilic monomer in the presence of a chain transfer agent. These pre-polymers were then introduced into formulations with bi-functional macromer which may be composed of silicone. U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2011/0166248A1 and 2008/0231798 describe block copolymers of silicone-containing monomers and hydrophilic monomers to yield a pre-polymer. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0298446 reports functionalization of polysiloxane blocks to act as a macro initiator for polymerizing a hydrophilic monomer via. atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). This technique yields bi- or tetra-functional pre-polymer. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0296049 describes a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) technique for polymerizing a mixture of a bi-functional polysiloxane polymer and an organic monomer. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0143499 describes, a pre-polymer made of polysiloxane blocks, poly (oxyalkylene) blocks, and cross-linkable groups.

Conventionally, silicone-hydrogels are made by polymerizing the acrylate or methacrylate functionalized silicone monomer with hydrogel (hydrophilic) monomers, such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and other monomers such as methyl methacrylic acid (MMA), N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA), etc., in the presence of cross-linker and free radical or photoinitiators. Cross-linking agents generally have two or more reactive functional groups at different sites of the molecule. Typically, these sites contain polymerizable ethylenic unsaturation groups. During curing, they form a covalent bond with two different polymer chains and form a stable three-dimensional network to improve the strength of the polymer. Cross-linking agents conventionally used in contact lenses include ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and trimethyloylpropane trimethacrylate (about 0.1 to 2 wt. %). Other useful cross-linking agents include diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, bisphenol A dimethacrylate, diglycidyl bisphenol A dimethacrylate and dimethacrylate-terminated polyethylene glycol and reactive linear polyether modified silicones.

Generally, silicone hydrogel contact lens materials are made using either hydrophobic mono-functional silicone monomer (such as TRIS) or multi-functional hydrophilic silicone monomer followed by secondary surface treatment. Mono-functional silicone monomers are preferred in the contact lens industry over multi-functional silicone monomers since the latter lead to increased rigidity of the lens made therefrom.

The state of this art for soft contact lenses, including the silicone-based materials described in the above mentioned patents, still possess major shortfalls like sub-optimal surface wettability and lipid deposition. There remains a need for hydrophilic silicone monomers with advantageous wettability and oxygen permeability that can be used to make contact lenses without the drawbacks and expensive surface treatments necessary with the silicone containing materials of the current state of art.

SUMMARY

The present invention discloses a silicone-containing polymer.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a polymeric additive that can be tuned structurally to render the polymer hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or amphiphilic.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pre-polymer comprising a silicone monomer having polyether groups as a hydrophilic block that make the pre-polymer more hydrophilic.

The polymer can be formed by homopolymerization of a silicone-containing monomer and or by block polymerization of the silicone-containing monomer with other monomers in a sequential or random manner. The polymer can be formed by polymerizing such monomers via free radical polymerization (FRP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), or reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). This can allow for the controlled synthesis of a polymer having a well-defined architecture. This can also allow for the siloxane blocks or polyether blocks to be controlled or varied, which allows the oxygen permeability and hydrophilicity of the pre-polymer to be controlled or tuned. This process also avoids problems associated with prior silicone polyethers formed by hydrosilylation of hydrogen containing siloxanes with polyethers containing primary olefinic groups. In particular, the present method avoids the possible isomerization of the double bond in the olefin group, which can make it ineffective for reaction.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a siloxane polymer of the Formula 1: W

A

_(m)

B

_(n)W  (1) Where, the divalent block A comprises a silicon-containing pendant group. In one embodiment, the silicone-containing pendant group is a polyether group containing alkylene oxide units and siloxane units.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising the hydrophilic silicone pre-polymers such as, for example, a hydrophilic silicone pre-polymer variant of Formula (1). In one embodiment, the hydrogel composition comprises (a) a silicone pre-polymer in accordance with aspects of the invention, (b) a free-radical polymerizable organic monomer, (c) an initiator, and (d) optionally a cross-linker. Silicone hydrogel films produced with these macromers offer improved surface wettability, water absorption, contact angle, oxygen permeability, curing characteristics and mechanical properties in comparison to silicone-hydrogel films prepared from monomers having linear alkyl linking groups, such as those already disclosed in the prior art for contact lens applications.

The pre-polymers are suitable for making homopolymers and copolymers that may be used to form films, emulsions, or latex particles. Such materials may be used in formulations for a wide variety of applications. In one embodiment, the pre-polymers are useful to make water-absorbing, oxygen-permeable silicone-hydrogel films that can be fashioned into extended wear soft contact lens. In one embodiment, the homopolymer, copolymer, emulsion, and latex particles comprising the pre-polymer of the current invention can also be used as film forming ingredient in personal care formulation including skin care, hair care, and nail care, such as lipsticks, mascaras, foundations, lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners and nail polishes, to improve their ware, tactile properties and ease of application. In another embodiment the homopolymer, copolymer, emulsion, and latex particles comprising the pre-polymer can be used in textile and fiber treatment applications to impart smooth, soft feel and wettability to both natural and synthetic fibers. In still another embodiment, the homopolymer, copolymer, emulsion and latex particles can be incorporated into fertilizers, pesticides, adhesives, or coating formulations for metal, plastic, wood and paper, such as varnishes, latex paints and roofing compositions.

These and other aspects of the invention can be further understood with reference to the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, new hydrophilic silicone macromers having a free radical polymerization-effective hydrophilic group and useful for preparing water-absorbing silicone hydrogel films that can be used in contact lens applications are described. Silicone hydrogel films obtained with these monomers show excellent wettability, oxygen permeability and desirable modulus in comparison to previously known films.

As used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but will also be understood to include the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

A “macromer” refers to a medium and high molecular weight compound that can comprise one or more functional groups capable of being polymerized, cross-linked, or both. A “monomer” refers to a relatively low molecular weight compound that is polymerizable.

A “hydrophilic” substance (e.g., hydrophilic monomer, hydrophilic macromer, hydrophilic polymer, etc.) is one that is water-loving, has an affinity for water, is capable of absorbing water, etc. A hydrophilic substance may be soluble or insoluble (e.g., substantially insoluble) in water. A hydrophilic substance can, in one embodiment, contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions, but the hydrophobic portions are present in relative amounts such that the substance or component is hydrophilic. In one embodiment, a hydrophilic substance can absorb at least 10 percent by weight water.

“Homopolymers” are polymers made from the same repeating macromer or monomer. “Copolymers” are polymers wherein the polymer contains at least two structurally different macromers, at least two structurally monomers, or at least one macromer and at least one monomer. Notations such as (meth)acrylate denote monomer with either acrylate or methacrylate functionality.

A “pre-polymer” is a reaction intermediate polymer of medium molecular weight having terminal or pendant polymerizable groups.

A “chain stopper” group is non-reactive group at the end of the polymer.

A “non-reactive polymer” is a polymer having no further polymerizable groups.

Silicone Polymer

The present invention provides a silicone-containing polymer. In one embodiment, the polymer can be a linear organo siloxane polymer with the general structure: W

A

_(m)

B

_(n)W  (1) where m is a positive integer ranging from 2 to about 100, and n is a positive integer 0 to about 100. The divalent building block A has a general formula:

where R₁, R₂, and R₃ can be independently selected from hydrogen, monovalent radicals with 1 to 50 carbon-atoms, which may optionally contain heteroatoms such as O, N, P, and halogens. E is a mono-valent group having a general structure of F-L-G, where F is a divalent linkage selected from alkyl, ester, ether, amine, amide, carbonate, carbamate, etc.; L is a divalent moiety chosen from substituted, unsubstituted, linear, branched, cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon or aromatic hydrocarbon of 1 to 100 carbon atoms, which optionally contain one or more heteroatoms, and in one embodiment comprises a functionality such as an alcohol, an ether, an ester, an amide, an amine, a urea, a urethane, a cyano, a carbonate, a carbamate, a thio, or combinations of two or more thereof; and G is a siloxane unit having the general structure M¹ _(a)M² _(b)D¹ _(c)D² _(d)T¹ _(e)T² _(f)Q_(g). G may be linear or branched where M¹=R₅R₆R₇SiZ_(1/2), M²=R₈R₉R₁₀SiZ_(1/2), D¹=R₁₁R₁₂SiZ_(2/2), D²=R₁₃R₁₄SiZ_(2/2), T¹=R₁₅SiZ_(3/2), T²=R₁₆SiZ_(3/2), Q=SiZ_(4/2); Where R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₄ and R₁₅ are independently chosen from a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to about 50 carbon atoms and may optionally contain heteroatoms; R₈, R₁₃, and R₁₆ are independently selected from a divalent residue of a non-isomerizable hydrosilylation effective terminal olefin with the general structure:

where R₁₈, R₁₉, and R₂₀ are independently selected from hydrogen and a hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 10 carbon-atoms that optionally contain a heteroatom; R₁₇ is a hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and the integer q can be 0 to 10; and R₁₇ is a hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom such that R₁₇ is hydrogen if q=0 and L is a cyclic residue. The subscripts a, c, e, and g can be zero or positive integer such that 0<a+b+c+d+e+f+g<500. The subscripts b, d, and f can have values of 0 or 1 such that b+d+f=1. Z can be O or a CH₂ group subject to the limitation that the molecule contains an even number of O_(1/2) and an even number of (CH₂)_(1/2) groups, and the O_(1/2) and the (CH₂)_(1/2) groups both are all paired in the molecule.

The divalent radical B has the general formula:

where R₂₅, R₂₆, R₂₇, and R₂₈ can independently be selected from hydrogen, halogens, hydroxyl and hydrocarbon radicals comprising of aromatic, aliphatic, aralkyl moieties optionally having heteroatoms.

W can be selected from X or Y where, X stands for a free radical polymerizable group and Y stands for chain stopper group. The polymer according to the present invention is termed as ‘pre-polymer’ when at least one of W is selected from X.

X is a polymerizable group under free radical polymerization conditions. Examples of suitable molecules for X are acrylate, acrylamide, methacrylate, methacrylamide, vinyl, allyl, methallyl and internal olefinic bond containing molecules such as butenedioic acid, butenedioic esters or amides, itaconic acid, itaconic acid esters or amides, etc. In one embodiment, X is a polymerizable group having the general formula:

where R₂₁, R₂₂, and R₂₃ can be selected from hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, which may optionally contain heteroatoms; H can be O or NR₂₄, where R₂₄ can be hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical with 1-5 carbons; J is a divalent moiety chosen from a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon having of 1-10 carbon atoms and may optionally contain a heteroatom.

Y can be independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, which may optionally contain heteroatoms.

In an exemplary embodiment of a pre-polymer, the E group in the divalent block A comprises a spacer L that is a hydrophilic residue chosen from a polyalkyleneoxide. In one embodiment, the polyalkylene oxide unit is chosen from —CH₂CH₂O—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)O—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂O—, and their analogues with up to 6 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, L is a cyclic hydrocarbon residue with the structure:

In another exemplary embodiment of a pre-polymer in accordance with aspects of the present invention, the E group in the divalent block A comprises a siloxane unit G comprising monovalent radicals R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, R₁₆, R₁₈, and R₂₀ that are independently selected from hydrocarbon radicals such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, phenyl, naphthyl, aralkyl radicals with 8 to 20 carbon atoms, trifluoromethylpropyl, etc.

In other exemplary embodiments of a pre-polymer according to aspects of the present invention, the mono-functional group E has a structure chosen from any of Formulas 2-9:

where, a is 0-50 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where, a+b is 0-50 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where, a+b+c is 0-100 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where, a is 1-50 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where a is 0-50 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH and

where K is O or NH, R is —CH₃ or —(OSi(CH₃)₂)_(n), b is 0-100, and n+b is 0-100; and

where K is O or NH, and a is 0-100.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the divalent radical component B of Formula 1 is chosen such that R₂₅ and R₂₆ are hydrogen, R₂₇ is chosen from hydrogen or a methyl radical, and R₂₈ is a part of ethylenically-unsaturated hydrophilic monomers such as, for example, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy ethylacrylate, N,N-Dimethylacrylamide, N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, N-vinyl-pyrrolidone, etc.

The pre-polymers can be used in a variety of applications and as part of a wide variety of formulations and compositions.

In one embodiment, the pre-polymers can be used to form a hydrogel composition. In one embodiment, a hydrogel composition comprises (a) a pre-polymer in accordance with aspects of the invention, (b) a free-radical polymerizable organic monomer, (c) an initiator, and (d) optionally a cross-linking agent.

The pre-polymer (a) can be a pre-polymer in accordance with aspects of the invention including, for example, pre-polymers having a structure of Formula 1.

The radical polymerizable effective monomers (b) can be organic, silicone, or organo-modified silicone molecules with one polymerizable group. Non-limiting examples of suitable polymerizable groups include acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl, allyl, methallyl, acrylamides, methacrylamides, N-vinyl lactam, N-vinyl amide, olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbons with carboxylic acids or esters, etc. More specific polymerizable groups include, but are not limited to, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, N-vinyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinylpyrrole, N-vinyl succinimide, alkyl vinyl ethers, 2-acrylamido glycolic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxy ethylacrylate (HEA), hydroxypropyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, glycerol methacrylate, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, dodecyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, vinyl acetate, allyl alcohol, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, N-vinyl caprolactum, N-vinylformamide, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinyl-N-methyl acetamide, N, N-vinyl-3-methyl caprolactum, N-vinyl imidazole, 2-acrylamidoglycolic acid, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, N-tertbutyl acrylamide, N-isopropylacryamide, N-isopropylmethacrylamide, 2-acrylamnido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid and its salts, (3-acrylamidopropyl)-trimethylammonium chloride, N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide, 3-acryloylamino-1-propanol, 2-acrylamidoglycolic acid, aminopropyl methacrylate, 3-tris(trimethylsiloxy) silylpropylmethacrylate (TRIS), bis-(trimethylsiloxy)methylsilylpropyl methacrylate, pentamethyldisiloxanepropylmethacrylate, pentamethyldisiloxanylmethylmethacrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyloxyethylmethacrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyloxyethyl methacrylate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl methacryloxyethylcarbamate, tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl glycerol, N-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silylpropyl]methacrylamide, pentamethyldisiloxanyl methyl methacrylate, phenyltetramethyl disiloxanyl ethyl ethacrylate, 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinyl carbamate, 3-[tris(trimethylsiloxy)silyl]propyl vinyl carbonate, 2-(acryloxyethyoxy)trimethylsilane, N-(3-acryloxy-2-hydroxypropyl)-3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane, (acryloxymethyl)phenethyl trimethoxysilane, 3-(N-allylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane.

In one embodiment, the organic radical polymerizable monomers (b) are selected from hydrophilic monomers such as N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxy ethylacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, etc.

In yet another embodiment, the free radical polymerizable group (b) is selected from an organo-modified silicone. Non-limiting examples of suitable organo-modified silicones include silicone, having the general structures of Formulas 10-17:

where p is 0 to 100, in one embodiment, 2 to 15, and a is 0 to 100, in one embodiment 0 to 20;

where a is 0 to 100, and one embodiment 0 to 20; the pre-polymer can contain one or mixture of all possible isomers;

where b is 0 to 100 and in one embodiment, 0 to 20; the pre-polymer can contain one or mixture of all possible isomers;

where p is from 1 to 50, in one embodiment 2 to 15, and b is 0 to 100, in one embodiment 0 to 20;

wherein R* is a trialkylsilyloxy group or a methyl group, p is 1 to about 50, or from 2 to about 15, or even about 8, and b is 0 to about 100, or from 0 to 2 inclusive, or even 0;

where R is a methyl radical, a is between 1 to 50, b is between 1 to 50; Z is a polyether moiety comprising —CH₂CH₂O—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)O—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂O— and their analogues with up to 6 carbon atoms capped with methacryl group; and

where m is 1 to 100, in one embodiment 1 to 50, and n is 0 to 50, in one embodiment 0 to 20.

The ratio of the silicone pre-polymer to the other hydrophilic unsaturated organic monomers is, in one embodiment from 1:100 to about 100:1; from about 1:75 to about 75:1; from about 1:50 to about 50:1; from about 1:25 to about 25:1; from about 1:10 to about 10:1; from about 1:5 to about 5:1, even about 1:1. Monomers and polymers with linear alkyl linked (meth)acrylated silicone polyether chains means those compounds without any branching in the linking group that connects the siloxane with the polyalkylene oxide part of the side chain in such compounds. Notations such as (meth)acrylate denote monomer with either acrylate or methacrylate functionality. The monomers of the present invention can be used to obtain cured elastomers with desirable physical strength and resistance to tearing after absorption of water. The mono-(meth)acrylate functionalized silicone monomers/polymers of the present invention and their preparation and use in contact lens are further described in the sections below.

The initiator (c) for example, can be selected from materials known for such use in the polymerization art in order to promote and/or increase the rate of the polymerization reaction. An initiator is a chemical agent capable of initiating polymerization reactions. The initiator can be a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator.

A photoinitiator can initiate free radical polymerization and/or cross-linking by the use of light. Suitable photoinitiators, include, but are not limited to, benzoin methyl ether, diethoxyacetophenone, benzoylphosphine oxide, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl propiophenone (HMPP), 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone and Darocur and Irgacure types, preferably Darocur® 1173 and 2959. Examples of benzoylphosphine initiators include 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylophosphine oxide; bis-(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-4-N-propylphenylphosphine oxide; and bis-(2,6-dichlorobenzoyl)-4-N-butylphenylphosphine oxide. Reactive photoinitiators that can be incorporated, for example, into a macromer or can be used as a special monomer are also suitable. Examples of reactive photoinitiators include those disclosed in EP 632329, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The polymerization can then be triggered off by actinic radiation, for example light, in particular UV light of a suitable wavelength/s. The spectral requirements can be controlled accordingly, if appropriate, by addition of suitable photosensitizers.

Examples of suitable thermal initiators include, but are not limited to, 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropanenitrile), 2,2′-azobis(2-methylbutanenitrile), peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide, and the like. Preferably, the thermal initiator are azobisisobutyronite (AIBN) and 1,1′-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile).

RAFT refers to reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer technique used in the polymerization. RAFT Reagent refers to a compound having the general formula,

in which R²⁴ is a leaving group and K is an activating group. The terms used here have its traditional meanings as understood by skilled persons in the art. Any known RAFT reagents can be used in the invention for synthesizing pre-polymers, RAFT reagents belong to dithiobenzoates, trithiocarbonates, xanthates, and dithiocarbamates classes are considered in the RAFT reactions. The preferred reagent is 4-cyano-4-(phenylcarbonothioyltrio)pentanoic acid and 2-(Dodecylthiocarbonothioylthio)-2-methylpropionic acid in the context of present invention.

ATRP refers to atom transfer radical polymerization techniques, well known in the art, used in living radical polymerization. ATRP conditions involve the utilization of an initiator and a catalyst. ATRP initiators can be selected from any of the following class, halogenated alkanes, benzylic halides, alpha-haloesters, alpha-haloketone, alpha-halonitrile, or sulfonyl chloride. The ATRP catalyst is a metal ligand complex with metal part comprising of Mo, Cr, Re, Ru, Fe, Rh, Ni, Pd, Cu and a ligand. The ligand used can be a bidentate (e.g., 2,2′-Bipyridine, N,N,N′,N′,-tetramethyl ethylenediamine), tridentate (e.g., N,N,N′,N″,N″-Pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA)), or tetradentate (e.g., 1,1,4,7,10,10-Hexamethyltriethylenetetramine, Tris(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)amine)). The preferred catalyst used in the present invention is Cu-PMDETA complex.

The cross-linking agent (d) can generally have two or more reactive functional groups at different sites of the molecule. Typically, these sites contain polymerizable olefinic unsaturation groups. During curing, they form a covalent bond with two different polymer chains and form a stable three-dimensional network to improve the strength of these polymer. Non-limiting examples of suitable cross-linking agents include acrylates, methacrylates, acrylamide, methacrylamide, thio, cyanurate, etc. Few examples that can be used but not limited to are ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, pentaerythritol tetramethacrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate, triallyl cyanurate, ethylenediamine dimethacrylamide, bisphenol A dimethacrylate, coatosil, diacrylate or dimethacrylate terminated polydisiloxanes, diacrylamide terminated polydimethyl siloxanes, dimethacrylamide terminated polydimethylsiloxanes, dimethacrylated polyether modified polydimethylsiloxanes, Cross-linking agents conventionally used in contact lenses include ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and trimethyloylpropane trimethacrylate (about 0.1 to 2 wt. %). Other useful cross-linking agents include diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, bisphenol A dimethacrylate, diglycidyl bisphenol A dimethacrylate and dimethacrylate-terminated polyethylene glycol and reactive linear polyether modified silicones.

The polymers and hydrogel of this invention may also contain ultraviolet absorbents, pigments and colorants in the form of additives or co-monomers.

The present invention also provides silicone-hydrogel compositions comprising (meth)acrylate functionalized hydrophilic silicone monomer and conventional monomer such as HEMA or other contact lens monomers to produce soft, flexible water absorbing films. The polymers of the present invention can absorb about 10 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of water, showing excellent surface wettability and effective oxygen permeability, all of which are necessary for the better comfort when lens are worn and for good health of the human cornea. The present invention also provides contact lenses made from the silicone-hydrogel films of the claimed invention. These embodiments are further described below.

To form polymers using the pre-polymers of the present invention, the desired monomers are mixed and the resulting mixture is polymerized and cured to form transparent thin films by known thermal or UV cure techniques, using either peroxides or photoinitiators in the presence of cross-linking agents. The monomers added to the monomer mix to create the mixture prior to polymerization to form the polymers may be monomers or pre-polymers.

The pre-polymers produced in the current invention may be used to form hydrophilic silicone homo/copolymers that produce silicone-hydrogel films having better oxygen permeability and significantly improved surface wettability in comparison to monomers with linear alkyl linking groups in the polyether chains. The contact lenses produced from the silicone-hydrogel films of the present invention do not require any expensive secondary treatments, like plasma oxidation or plasma coating, or internal wetting agents to improve wettability. That is, the contact lenses produced from silicone-hydrogel films of the present invention, without secondary treatment, are soft, flexible and inherently wettable and exhibit high oxygen permeability.

The polymers of the present invention form a clear, transparent homogeneous single-phase solution that can be cured directly without employing any additional homogenizing solvents, depending on the molecular weight of the present siloxane monomers, which are miscible with hydrophilic hydrogel monomers. Calculated solubility parameter values based on Fedors method (Robert F. Fedors, Polymer Engineering and Science, February 1974, vol. 14, No. 2) for the present inventive monomers range from approximately 16.5 to approximately 19 (J/mol)^(1/2), which is closer to the solubility parameter value of conventional hydrogel monomers (such as HEMA, NVP and DMA) than silicone monomers such as TRIS. Miscibility is realized if the difference in solubility parameter between the instant inventive monomers and the hydrophilic co-monomers is less than about 7.7 (J/mol)^(1/2).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the polymers may be formed into silicone-hydrogel films, via. process known in the art. The silicone-hydrogel films of the present invention are soft, flexible and highly transparent. Silicone-hydrogel films made from the inventive monomers exhibit better surface wettability and oxygen permeability compared to ones made using monomers having linear alkyl linked methacrylated silicone polyether chains. The oxygen permeability of the hydrogel films or lenses can be from 40 Dk to 400 Dk units by selecting the silicone pre-polymers, independently or in combinations, of the present invention. The present silicone hydrogel films were found to have dynamic advancing contact angles with water, in the range of 100° to 30° and absorb about 10 to 60 wt. % of water, which can vary depending on the molecular weight of the polyethers. The contact angle can also be altered in the defined range by adding wetting agents like poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), or poly(vinyl alcohol). The silicone hydrogels also have good mechanical properties (such as low modulus and high tear strength) required for the contact lens application.

Conventional silicone-hydrogel films are generally produced by curing a mixture of hydrophobic silicone monomers and hydrophilic hydrogel monomers in the presence of about 10 to 40 wt. % of solvent, as they are incompatible with each other. However in the current invention, the inventive hydrophilic silicone macromers are found to be miscible with conventional hydrophilic hydrogel monomers (such as HEMA, NVP and DMA) and can form a homogeneous solution suitable to produce silicone-hydrogel films without employing any solvent.

The densities of the present monomers generally range from 0.89-1.1 g/cm³ at 25° C. and the refractive index range from 1.4-1.46 for the sodium D line. The instant inventors have found that monomers with refractive index greater than 1.431 and density greater than 0.96 g/cm³ produce completely miscible compositions or pseudo miscible compositions that appear homogeneous, clear and transparent with hydrophilic monomers like HEMA, in the absence of compatibilizing solvents. As has been stated above, conventional silicone monomers (for example, TRIS) must be mixed with hydrophilic monomers like HEMA in the presence of a solvent to get miscible compositions to make silicone hydrogels. The hydrogel co-monomer used to make silicone-hydrogel copolymers of the present invention can be hydrophilic acrylic monomers such as HEMA, N,N-Dimethylacrylamide (DMA), N-Vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), methacrylic acid (MAA) etc.

In the present invention, the resulting polymers may be formed into silicone-hydrogel films, via. process known in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is also directed to contact lens produced from either homo or copolymers of the present invention. The monomers/polymers of the present invention can be formed into contact lenses by spin casting processes, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,408,429 and 3,496,254, cast molding processes, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,084,459 and 4,197,266, combinations of methods thereof, or any other known method for making contact lenses. Polymerization may be conducted either in a spinning mold, or a stationary mold corresponding to a desired contact lens shape. The lens may be further subjected to mechanical finishing, as occasion demands. Polymerization may also be conducted in an appropriate mold or vessel to form buttons, plates, tubes or rods, which may then be processed (e.g., cut or polished via. lathe or laser) to give a contact lens having a desired shape.

The relative softness or hardness of the contact lenses fabricated from the resulting polymer of this invention can be varied by decreasing or increasing the molecular weight of the polysiloxane pre-polymer end-capped with the activated unsaturated group (such as methacryloxy) or by varying the percent of the co-monomer. Generally, as the ratio of polysiloxane units to end-cap units increases, the softness of the material increases.

As stated above, the silicone-hydrogels of the present invention exhibit higher oxygen transport with improved surface wettable properties when compared to silicone-polyether copolymers having linear alkyl linking groups. The monomers and pre-polymers employed in accordance with this invention are readily polymerized to form three-dimensional networks, which permit the transport of oxygen with improved wettability along with better mechanicals and optical clarity.

Specific use of the films include intraocular contact lenses, artificial corneas, and soft disposable long-wear contact lenses or as coatings for biomedical devices.

Non-reactive polymer can be non-reactive polymers in accordance with aspect of present invention including for example non-reacting polymer having structure from Formula 1

Aspects of the invention may be further understood with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Silicone Monomers

Example 1: Poly(Trisiloxanepolyether)₈ Via ATRP

A silicone polyether monomer with a terminal methacrylate group with the average structure ((CH₃)₃SiO)₂Si(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)₈C(O)C(CH₃)CH₂ was homopolymerized to the target degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 8 via ATRP using 2-hydroxyethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate. A calculated amount of silicone polyether and toluene were charged into a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser, and rubber septum. The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A required amount of PMDETA and Cu(I)Br were added, and the reaction mixture was further purged. The mixture turned to mint green color, which indicates formation of a Cu-PMDETA complex. Finally, 2-hydroxyethyl 2-bromoisobutyrate was added to the mixture, and the flask is placed in an oil bath maintained at 70° C. The mole ratio of ligand/initiator/catalyst was maintained at 1/1/1. The reaction was quenched by adding hexane to the mixture. The Cu salts were filtered out and the solvents were removed to yield blue colored viscous product. The product is re-dissolved in acetone and stirred over Tulsion T-66 MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any copper traces. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow viscous product hydroxy poly(trisiloxanepolyether)₈. An ATRP reaction typically leads to 90-95%.

Example 2: Methacrylated Poly(Trisiloxanepolyether)₈

A round bottom flask equipped with a dropping funnel and a nitrogen inlet was charged with silicone polymer of example 1, toluene and triethylamine at ice bath temperature. A calculated amount of methacryloyl chloride was added drop wise for 20 minutes. The reaction was stirred at same temperature for one hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The triethylamine hydrochloride salt formed was filtered out and the reaction mixture was concentrated. The product was re-dissolved in hexane and stirred over Tulsion A-2X MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any methacrylic acid byproducts formed during the methacrylation. The product was filtered and 50 ppm hydroquinone was added to the filtrate. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow color viscous liquid, Methacrylated poly(trisiloxanepolyether)₈. All the reaction steps and products were confirmed by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR's.

Example 3: Poly(Trisiloxanepolyether)₃

A silicone polyether monomer with terminal methacrylate group with the average structure ((CH₃)₃SiO)₂Si(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)₈C(O)C(CH₃)CH₂ was homopolymerized to the target degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 3 via FRP using 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionitrile as initiator and mercaptoethanol as chain transfer agent (CTA). A calculated amount of silicone polyether and toluene were charged into a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser and rubber septum. The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A calculated amount of mercaptoethanol and 2-2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) were added to the reaction mixture and the mixture was purged further. The flask was placed in an oil bath maintained at 70-75° C. The reaction was quenched after adding hexane to the reaction mixture. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous product poly(trisiloxanepolyether)₃. A typical FRP reaction goes up to 80-90% conversion.

Example 4: Methacrylated Poly(Trisiloxanepolyether)₃

A round bottom flask equipped with a dropping funnel and nitrogen inlet was charged with silicone polymer of example 3, toluene and triethylamine and was placed in an ice bath. A calculated amount of methacryloyl chloride was added drop wise. The reaction was stirred at same temperature for one hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The triethylamine hydrochloride salt formed was filtered out and the reaction mixture was concentrated. The product was re-dissolved in hexane and stirred over Tulsion A-2X MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any methacrylic acid byproducts formed during the reaction. The product was filtered and 50 ppm hydroquinone was added to the filtrate. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous liquid, methacrylated poly(trisiloxanepolyether)₃. All the reaction steps and products were confirmed by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR's.

Example 5: P(Trisiloxanepolyether-Ran-HEMA)

A silicone polyether monomer with terminal methacrylate group with the average structure ((CH₃)₃SiO)₂Si(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)₈C(O)C(CH₃)CH₂ was copolymerized with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to the total degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 6 via. FRP using 2-2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) as initiator and mercaptoethanol as chain transfer agent (CTA). A calculated amount of silicone polyether, HEMA, toluene and 2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) were charged into a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser and rubber septum. The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A calculated amount of 2-mercaptoethanol were added to the reaction mixture and the flask was placed further in an oil bath maintained at 70-75° C. The reaction was quenched after adding hexane to the reaction mixture. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous product OH—P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-HEMA)₅. A typical FRP reaction goes to near 80% conversion.

Example 6: Methacrylate Functionalized P(Trisiloxanepolyether-Ran-HEMA)

The hydroxyl group of silicone polymer of example 5 was methacrylated further to get the ethylenically-unsaturated terminal group. A round bottom flask equipped with a dropping funnel and a nitrogen inlet was charged with OH—P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-HEMA)₅, toluene and triethylamine at ice bath temperature. A calculated amount of methacryloyl chloride was added drop wise. The reaction was stirred at same temperature for one hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The triethylamine hydrochloride salt formed was filtered out and the reaction mixture was concentrated. The product was re-dissolved in hexane and stirred over Tulsion A-2X MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any methacrylic acid byproducts formed during the reaction. The product was filtered and 50 ppm Hydroquinone was added to the filtrate. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous liquid, Mac-P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-HEMA))₅. All the reaction steps and products were confirmed by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR's.

Example 7: P(Trisiloxanepolyether-Ran-NVP)

A silicone polyether monomer with terminal methacrylate group with the average structure ((CH₃)₃SiO)₂Si(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)₈C(O)C(CH₃)CH₂ was copolymerized with N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) to the total degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 6 via. FRP using 2-2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile as initiator and mercaptoethanol as chain transfer agent (CTA). A calculated amount of silicone polyether, NVP, toluene and 2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) were charged into a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser and a rubber septum. The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A calculated amount of 2-mercaptoethanol were added to the reaction mixture and the flask was placed further in an oil bath maintained at 70-75° C. The reaction was quenched after adding hexane to the reaction mixture. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous product OH—P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-NVP)₅. A typical FRP reaction goes to near 80% conversion.

Example 8: Methacrylate Functionalized P(Trisiloxanepolyether-Ran-NVP)

The hydroxyl group of silicone polymer of example 7 was methacrylated further to get the ethylenically-unsaturated terminal group. A round bottom flask equipped with a dropping funnel and a nitrogen inlet was charged with OH—P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-NVP)₅, toluene and triethylamine at ice bath temperature. A calculated amount of methacryloyl chloride was added drop wise. The reaction was stirred at same temperature for one hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The triethylamine hydrochloride salt formed was filtered out and the reaction mixture was concentrated. The product was re-dissolved in hexane and stirred over Tulsion A-2X MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any methacrylic acid byproducts formed during the reaction. The product was filtered and 50 ppm hydroquinone was added to the filtrate. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow color viscous liquid, Mac-P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-NVP)₅. All the reaction steps and products were confirmed by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR's.

Example 9: Methacrylate Functionalized P(Trisiloxanepolyether-Ran-DMA)

A silicone polyether monomer with terminal methacrylate group with the average structure ((CH₃)₃SiO)₂Si(CH₃)CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂O(CH₂CH₂O)₅C(O)C(CH₃)CH₂ was copolymerized with N,N-Dimethylacrylamide (DMA) to the total degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 10 via. FRP using 1,1′-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) initiator and mercaptoethanol as chain transfer agent (CTA). A calculated amount of silicone polyether, DMA, toluene and 1,1′-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) were charged into a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser and a rubber septum. The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A calculated amount of 2-mercaptoethanol were added to the reaction mixture and the flask was placed further in oil bath maintained at 95° C. The reaction was quenched after adding hexane to the reaction mixture. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow viscous product OH—P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-DMA)₁₀. The reaction went to about 95% conversion.

Example 10: Methacrylate Functionalized P(Trisiloxanepolyether-Ran-DMA)

The hydroxyl group of silicone polymer of example 9 was methacrylated further to get the ethylenically-unsaturated terminal group. A round bottom flask equipped with a dropping funnel and a nitrogen inlet was charged with OH—P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-DMA)₁₀, toluene and triethylamine and was placed in ice bath. A calculated amount of methacryloyl chloride was added drop wise. The reaction was stirred at same temperature for one hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The triethylamine hydrochloride salt formed was filtered out and the reaction mixture was concentrated. The product was re-dissolved in hexane and stirred over Tulsion A-2X MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any methacrylic acid formed during the reaction. The product was filtered and 50 ppm Hydroquinone was added to the filtrate. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous liquid, Mac-P(trisiloxanepolyether-ran-DMA))₁₀. All the reaction steps and products were confirmed by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR's.

Example 11: Methacrylate Functionalized P[5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate]

5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate) was homopolymerized to the target degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 10 via. FRP using 1,1′-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) initiator and mercaptoethanol as chain transfer agent (CTA). A calculated amount of silicone monomer, toluene and 1,1′-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) were charged into a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser and a rubber septum. The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A calculated amount of 2-mercaptoethanol were added to the reaction mixture and the flask was placed further in oil bath maintained at 95° C. The reaction was quenched after adding some hexane to the reaction mixture. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous product OH—P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate))₁₀. The reaction went to 95% conversion.

Example 12: Methacrylate Functionalized P[5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate]

The hydroxyl group of silicone polymer of example 11 was methacrylated further to get the ethylenically-unsaturated terminal group. A round bottom flask equipped with a dropping funnel and nitrogen inlet was charged with OH—P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate))₁₀, toluene and triethylamine at ice bath temperature. A calculated amount of methacryloyl chloride was added drop wise. The reaction was stirred at same temperature for one hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The triethylamine hydrochloride salt formed was filtered out and the reaction mixture was concentrated. The product was re-dissolved in hexane and stirred over Tulsion A-2X MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any methacrylic acid byproducts formed during the reaction. The product was filtered and 50 ppm Hydroquinone was added to the filtrate. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous liquid, Mac-P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate))₁₀. All the reaction steps and products were confirmed by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR's.

Example 13: P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate-ran-DMA)

5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate) was copolymerized with dimethyl acrylamide to the total degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 10 via. FRP using 1,1′-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) initiator and mercaptoethanol as chain transfer agent (CTA). A calculated amount of silicone monomer, toluene and 1,1′-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) were charged into a round bottom flask equipped with a condenser and rubber septum. The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A calculated amount of 2-Mercaptoethanol were added to the reaction mixture and the flask was placed further in oil bath maintained at 95° C. The reaction was quenched after adding hexane to the reaction mixture. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous product OH—P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate)-ran-DMA)₁₀. The reaction went to ˜95% conversion.

Example 14: Methacrylate Functionalized P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate-ran-DMA)

The hydroxyl group of silicone polymer of 13 was methacrylated further to get the ethylenically-unsaturated terminal group. A round bottom flask equipped with a dropping funnel and nitrogen inlet was charged with OH—P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate)-ran-DMA)₁₀, toluene and triethylamine at ice bath temperature. A calculated amount of methacryloyl chloride was added drop wise. The reaction was stirred at same temperature for one hour and then at room temperature for 2 hours. The triethylamine hydrochloride salt formed was filtered out and the reaction mixture was concentrated. The product was re-dissolved in hexane and stirred over Tulsion A-2X MP (Tulsion from Thermax India Ltd.) to remove any methacrylic acid byproducts formed during the reaction. The product was filtered and 50 ppm hydroquinone was added to the filtrate. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow color viscous liquid, Mac-P(5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate)-ran-DMA)₁₀. All the reaction steps and products were confirmed by ¹H and ²⁹Si NMR's.

Example 15: Hydroxyl functionalized P(LA-ran-BA-ran-5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate))

5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate) was copolymerized with Lauryl acrylate and Butyl acrylate to the total degree of polymerization (D_(p)) of 180 via. FRP using 1,1′-Azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) initiator and mercaptoethanol as chain transfer agent (CTA). Silicone monomer, Lauryl and butyl acrylate in required feed ratio were charged into round bottom flask along with toluene and 1,1′-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) The reaction mixture was purged by bubbling nitrogen directly into the mixture via. a Hamilton needle. A calculated amount of 2-Mercaptoethanol were added to the reaction mixture and the flask was placed further in oil bath maintained at 95° C. The reaction was quenched after adding some hexane to the reaction mixture. Removal of solvents yields a pale yellow colored viscous product OH—P(LA-ran-BA-ran-5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate)). The reaction went to about 95% conversion. The reaction was monitored and product was confirmed by ¹H and 13C NMR's.

Example 16: Copolymer Via. Emulsion Polymerization

5-(2-(1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyltrisiloxane-3-yl)ethyl)-2-hydroxycyclohexylacrylate) (13 wt. %), butyl acrylate (10 wt. %) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, EGDMA (0.25 wt. % of organic phase) were mixed thoroughly in an Erlenmeyer flask. This organic mixture was added drop wise to solution of sodium lauryl ether sulphate (5 wt. %) and water (72 wt. %) under vigorous stirring. To this emulsion, potassium persulfate (1 wt. % with respect to organic phase) was added as thermal initiator and the reaction was placed in oil bath maintained at 85° C. for 2 hours. The reaction went to 86% conversion with final solid content measuring to 24% while the expected was 28% respectively. The solution was poured onto a petridish for the water to evaporate to yield uniform film.

Hydrogel Films

Hydrogel films are prepared incorporating the materials from above examples along with other organic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMA), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and cross-linkers such as ethylendeglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The films were cured using 2-hydroxy-2-methyl propiophenone or Irgacure 819 as radical initiators (0.5-1 wt. %). The resultant clear, homogeneous solution is poured into either glass, polypropylene or PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) to a measuring gap of about 1 mm. The formulations are cured by exposure to 365 nm UV irradiation of intensity 105 mW/cm² for 5-40 seconds.

Table listing clear hydrogel formulations and their properties

Components (wt. %) Film 1 Film 2 Film 3 Film 4 Film 5 Example 2 49.5 Example 4 49.5 Example 10 69.3 Example 12 49.5 Example 14 79.2 HEMA 19.8 19.8 NVP 24.8 24.8 DMA 4.9 4.9 29.7 49.5 19.8 EGDMA 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 UV Initiator 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 0.49 % Water content 52 45 28 47 30

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. All citations referred herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A linear polymer of the formula: W

A

_(m)

B

_(n)W where m is a positive integer from 2-100, and n is a positive integer from 0-100; A is a divalent block having a general formula:

where, R₁, R₂, and R₃ are independently hydrogen and a monovalent radical with 1 to 50 carbon atoms optionally containing one or more heteroatoms; E is a mono-valent group having a general structure of F-L-G, where F is a divalent linkage which is an alkyl, an ester, an ether, an amine, an amide, a carbonate, and a carbamate; L is a divalent moiety which is a substituted, unsubstituted, linear, branched, cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon or an aromatic hydrocarbon of 1-100 carbon atom optionally containing one or more heteroatoms; and G is a siloxane unit having the general structure M¹ _(a)M² _(b)D¹ _(c)D² _(d)T¹ _(e)T² _(f)Q_(g) where M¹=R₅R₆R₇SiZ_(1/2), M²=R₈R₉R₁₀SiZ_(1/2), D¹=R₁₁R₁₂SiZ_(2/2), D²=R₁₃R₁₄SiZ_(2/2), T¹=R₁₅SiZ_(3/2), T²=R₁₆SiZ_(3/2), Q=SiZ_(4/2); R₅, R₆, R₇, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₄, and R₁₅ are independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to about 50 carbon atoms optionally containing one or more heteroatoms; R₈, R₁₃, and R₁₆ are independently a divalent residue of a non-isomerizable hydrosilylation effective terminal olefin with the general structure:

where R₁₈, R₁₉, and R₂₀ are independently hydrogen and a hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 10 carbon atoms optionally containing one or more heteroatoms, the integer q is 0 to 10 and R₁₇ is a hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom such that R₁₇ is hydrogen when q=0 and L is a cyclic residue; a, c, e, and g are zero or a positive integer such that 0<a+b+c+d+e+f+g<500; subscripts b, d, and f have values of 0 or 1 such that b+d+f=1; and Z is O or a CH₂ group subject to the limitation that the molecule contains an even number of O_(1/2) and an even number of (CH₂)_(1/2) groups, and the O_(1/2) and the (CH₂)_(1/2) groups both are all paired in the molecule; B is a divalent radical having general formula:

where R₂₅, R₂₆, R₂₇, and R₂₈ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a halogen, hydroxyl, a hydrocarbon radical comprising aromatic, aliphatic, and/or aralkyl moieties optionally having one or more heteroatoms; W is X or Y where X stands for reactive group and Y stands for chain stopper group, wherein: X is a free radical polymerizable group having the general formula:

where R₂₁, R₂₂, and R₂₃ are hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms; H is O or NR₂₄, where R₂₄ is hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical with 1-5 carbons; J is a divalent moiety which is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon having of 1-10 carbon atoms optionally containing a heteroatom; and Y can be independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, thiol, amine, or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms.
 2. The polymer of claim 1, wherein L is a polyalkyleneoxide residue.
 3. The polymer of claim 1, wherein L is a polyalkyleneoxide which is —CH₂CH₂O—, —CH₂CH(CH₃)O—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂O—, or their analogues with up to 6 carbon atoms.
 4. The polymer of claim 1, wherein L is a cyclic hydrocarbon residue with the structure:


5. The polymer of claim 1, wherein R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, R₁₆, R₁₈, and R₂₀ in the unit G of group E are independently a hydrocarbon radical selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, phenyl, naphthyl, and aralkyl radical with 8 to 20 carbon atoms, trifluoromethylpropyl, and combinations of two or more thereof.
 6. The polymer of claim 1, wherein the mono-functional group E has a structure which is of the formula:

where, a is 0-50 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where, a+b is 0-50 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where, a+b+c is 0-100 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where, a is 1-50 and m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where m is 0-50, K═O or NH

where K is O or NH, R is —CH₃ or —(OSi(CH₃)₂)_(n), b is 0-100, and n+b is 0-100; or

where K is O or NH, and a is 0-100.
 7. The polymer of claim 1, where R₂₅ and R₂₆ are hydrogen, R₂₇ is hydrogen or a methyl radical, and R₂₈ is a part of an ethylenically-unsaturated hydrophilic monomer or a hydrophobic monomer.
 8. The polymer of claim 1 having at least one W which is an X group to yield a pre-polymer.
 9. The polymer of claim 1, wherein both the W groups are a Y group as a chain stopper to yield a non-reactive polymer.
 10. A homo or co-polymer comprising at least one pre-polymer of claim
 8. 11. The copolymer of claim 10, wherein the polymer is a copolymer further comprising a free-radical polymerizable organic monomer chosen from the group consisting of a vinylic monomer, an acrylide monomer, an acrylic monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof.
 12. The copolymer of claim 11, wherein the vinylic monomer is selected from the group consisting of N-vinyl-pyrrolidone, N-vinyl-caprolactam, N-vinyl-acetamide, N-vinyl-formamide, N-vinyl-isopropylamide, vinyl benzene, vinyl naphthalene, vinyl pyridine, vinyl alcohol, vinyl containing silicone, or a combination of two or more thereof.
 13. The copolymer of claim 11, wherein the acrylic monomers are selected from the group consisting of 2 hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate (HEMA), 2-hydroxy-ethyl-acrylate (HEA), hydroxyl propyl methacrylate, trimethylammonium 2-hydroxy propyl methacrylate hydrochloride, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, glycerol methacrylate, N,N-Dimethylacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylated hydrophilic or hydrophobic organo-silicones, or combinations of two or more thereof.
 14. The polymer according to claim 10 where the polymer is a hydrogel film.
 15. A film forming additive comprising the polymer of claim 10 in the form of emulsion or latex.
 16. The siloxane of claim 1, wherein the polymer is a film forming additive in a textile, a paper, a leather, a personal care, a health care, a home care, a coating, a painting, or a seed treatment formulation. 